Therapists for college students near Harvard University

At Spark the Change we whole-heartedly believe people can make changes to improve daily functioning, manage stress , and become their authentic selves. Let us help you on your journey and spark the change! "Change the way you look at things & the things you look at change" Wayne W. Dyer

Hi, I'm Dr. Vlahakes and I'm happy to offer both individual and group counseling/therapy sessions! At this time I do have availability for new clients. Please use the contact information on this page to get started. FYI I'm part of a group practice called Brighter Life Therapy.

Do you ever just want someone to talk to who is not judgmental, and will offer sound advice for no other reason than wanting you to feel better? My sole job is to help you feel heard, understood and supported in whatever area in which you are struggling. I have helped people for over 25 years make their way to a more stable and healthier spot in life. Whether you are struggling with OCD, stress, depression, trauma or just not quite feeling settled, set up a time to talk.

Seeking psychotherapy is a big step. I strive to provide a warm, accepting, and safe space where students can freely explore their experiences and emotions. Guided by our understanding of your unique story, we will come up with a personalized way of working together to meet your goals. I work with students who are navigating relationships with mentors, friends, and romantic partners, and grappling with questions of identity and career. I also see students struggling with serious mental health issues such as depression, anxiety/panic, and trauma. I was trained at Veterans' Affairs medical centers in treating PTSD, and my graduate training focused on issues of religion and identity.

I am currently accepting self-pay clients! During therapy sessions, I hold space for people facing all types of life experiences that encompass our collective human experience. Some key areas that I support individuals with are finding relief from anxiety through the cultivation of self-regulation and nervous system support, navigating major life transitions, healing from traumatic events, past or present, and exploring ways of living that are in alignment with one's true desires. I strive to help individuals build a relationship with themselves that are rooted in compassion and self-acceptance. As our imagination becomes activated and absorbed in the freedom of art and play, our linear or rational thinking processes of labeling and making judgments are temporarily suspended. This temporary suspension allows us to access our intuition (heart, center, wisdom, spirit, true self) and deepen awareness of our thoughts, feelings and experiences in life.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Are you looking to repair your self-worth, esteem, and confidence, that was damaged by life experiences whether it be from childhood trauma, a toxic work environment, racism, and a number of other horrible experiences? I help clients that have internalized those experiences believing that something is wrong with them. I'll help you change your negative and distorted view of self and regain your power. We will disrupt your thinking patterns that are impacting your ability to function and are causing distress such as depression, anxiety, and poor relationships. My ideal client is those ready to put in the healing work.

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We all face challenges. When you do, it's wise to consult with someone who listens well and can help you identify the problems, develop strategies, and guide and encourage you to implement them. I have been trained in psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and systems-centered methods. I often draw upon wisdom, humor, and science to facilitate positive change. Whatever the challenge -- emotional, relational, or other -- we'll address it together.

I offer treatment to children, teens, and adults with a collaborative and honest approach. Dependability, curiosity, and kind humor help me to form the therapeutic alliance needed to reach important goals.

I invite couples, adolescents and adults to identify strengths, acknowledge challenges and develop strategies to solve a range of problems. We can explore ways to save and enhance your relationship. In the first session, I teach tools that you can use immediately to enhance your partnership, open the lines of communication and reconnect as a couple. If you are an overwhelmed parent, I can help you reach out to your teen by employing techniques that can be used in the moment. My professional experience encompasses coping with anxiety, managing chronic illness, grieving losses and achieving balance for an enriched life. My therapeutic approach is client-centered, reality-based and solution- focused. I also provide psychodynamic insight-oriented therapy if a more in depth exploration of issues is requested. My experience and training include relationship issues, crises related to life transitions, developmental stages, adolescent concerns, couples issues, PTSD, chronic illness, and loss. I am in a small group practice at Solutions for Living. We work within a relationship based model that emphasizes strengths, supports self care planning, encourages mindfulness and incorporates stress reduction. We also remain well informed with regard to evidence based techniques, proven theories and research.

In addition to eclectic psychotherapy, I provide Internal Family Systems work and a variety of psychodramatic and hypnotic methods in my practice. I have worked with individuals, couples and families for over 4 decades. My belief is that people are complicated and do not fit into simplistic, diagnostic categories. My experience informs me when a therapist (or teacher) believes in your basic goodness and capabilities, you can do more than you ever thought you could.. The initial interview is of the therapist at no charge. Most insurances are accepted. Appointments are limited but available at this time.

Are you a student who's putting in the time and effort, but not receiving the results you feel you should? Does it feel like more time and effort than your fellow students? Do you have some challenges around organization, time management, setting priorities, starting projects or following though? All of these characteristics (an others) are signs of Executive Function challenges. Contact me. We can work together to get you back on track and realize your goals! With over a decade of experience in Disability Services in Post-Secondary education, Gabe has enjoyed providing access to learners with diverse disabilities and social/emotional challenges, as well as providing holistic care to those who are at-risk. Gabe is also a licensed School Adjustment Counselor and trained as an Executive Function ADD/ADHD Coach, and Mental Health counselor, allowing him to add an education/learning expertise to his work with Castle Hill families and clients. Gabe’s work revolves around the core belief that we can all thrive when able to access the right supports and resources to meet our individual needs.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

My approach is based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that takes client goals and utilizes techniques to accomplish the desired objectives. It is a collaborative, reality-based method informed by mindfulness and life-coaching strategies. This is a holistic approach and can last for 12 sessions or longer based on client’s choice. I encourage and assign homework between sessions and am always open to new ideas that will assist in your growth. I hope to work myself out of a job by sharing treatments and tools that equip you to cope with the daily living of life.. I provide tele-therapy services. Counseling is accessed through a secure, encrypted, HIPPA-compliant video conferencing portal. This method has many advantages including: convenience, eliminating gas/parking costs, time savings, no travel stress, and the lowering of one’s carbon footprint.

College can be an exciting yet challenging time, filled with transitions, academic pressures, and personal growth. Whether you're navigating stress, adjusting to campus life, managing anxiety, depression, or ADHD, I’m here to help. Together, we can create a supportive space where you can develop effective coping strategies, process your experiences, and build the skills needed to feel more balanced and in control. My goal is to help you feel empowered and equipped to manage life’s challenges with greater confidence and clarity.

I specialize in psychodynamic and psychoanalytic therapy; these approaches are particularly suited for such issues as coping with losses, reducing self-criticism, increasing relationship fulfillment and bolstering creativity. Often, I work with people whose prior therapy experience(s) was symptom-oriented or brief but who found themselves wondering if there is something more. I also often work with people in academia, such as graduate students and post-docs. I am particularly passionate about graduate student mental health and am aware of the unique stressors often faced by doctoral students, as well as the factors that make it more challenging to reach out for support. I am aware of the ways that concerns pertaining to identity, belonging and family of origin often begin to come to the fore when one finds themselves in a new environment and/or a new academic/professional endeavor.

NOW acceping new clients! Throughout our lives, we face challenges that test our mental strength and stability. With the help of an empathetic counselor, we can learn skills and techniques to manage the difficulties we will inevitably continue to face. Whether it be relational conflicts, grief and loss, or deeper rooted traumatic experiences that continue to hinder you, Emily wants to help you learn to live a more fulfilling and peaceful life. She enters every session without judgement and with unconditional positive regard for her clients using the counseling relationship as the vehicle for change. Emily Grabauskas, LMHC works full time as a clinical case manager at Salem Hospital's Pediatric Inpatient Psychiatry unit. She thrives in the field with a well rounded resume having worked in a detox, a middle school, and a methadone clinic prior to starting at her current position. If you are willing to take the first step toward creating a more stable and fulfilling life, please reach out!

I am certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist. In this approach, we get to know the different parts of you — the ones that may overfunction, strive for perfection, people-please, worry, or carry painful emotions. Rather than judging those parts, we learn to understand them with curiosity and compassion. Therapy can be a space to slow down, make sense of what’s happening internally, and help your system feel more balanced and connected. If faith or spirituality is important to you, we can absolutely incorporate that into our sessions. And if it’s not, that’s perfectly okay too.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.